The Giant’s Causeway
Northern Ireland
Great For Groups
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Giant’s Causeway - UNESCO World Heritage Site
Overview
Recommended as a must-see for groups visiting Northern Ireland and attracting over one million visitors annually, located along the Causeway Coastal route, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is Northern Ireland’s most popular natural attraction – and for a good reason. Flanked by the wild North Atlantic Ocean and a landscape of dramatic cliffs, for centuries, the Giant’s Causeway has inspired artists, stirred scientific debate, and captured the imagination of all who see it.
How it works for a group to visit the Giant’s Causeway site:
- Your coach will drop you off at a safe location on the main road at about 100 metres from the start of the walk down to the site - he can't stop at the attraction's car park unless you have the visitor centre pre-booked.
- It takes approx. 20 mins to walk down from the entrance of the site to the stones – so you need to factor this walk in both ways (40 mins). The path taking you down to the rocks has stunning views.
- Weather can be unpredictable, so ensure to wear trainers and have a waterproof jacket.
- Once you arrive at the stones, you will experience some of the most breathtaking scenery in Ireland.
The legend says that the Giant ’s Causeway stones are all that’s left of a fight between the Irish giant Fionn McCool and his Scottish rival Bennandoner. The stones on the Irish shores are the remains of the path he destroyed to make sure Fionn would never come after him.
What will your group experience at the Giant's Causeway?
- Marvel at the 40,000 basalt stone columns left by volcanic eruptions over 60 million years ago.
- See some of Europe’s most beautiful cliff scenery, with fantastic bird watching.
- Explore the upgraded four walking trails and enjoy the spectacular coastal scenery
TIP: We recommend having a plan B in the event of bad weather on the day you are visiting and include the visitor centre entrance for your group to learn more about the legends and science behind the Giant’s Causeway site.
We offer several options to allow your group to visit this iconic natural beauty spot:
- From Dublin on a day trip with your own coach (13 hrs day trip) – you can shape your tour, including the visits and stops you most like and that suit your group.
- From Dublin or Belfast as part of the Games of Thrones Day Trip
- From Belfast as a dedicated day trip through the Causeway Coastal Route
Do you want to explore the Antrim coast a little more? Why not brave the crossing of Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge or see the beautiful Dunluce castle site?
Walking trails for your group at the Giant's Causeway
| Trail | Details |
|---|---|
| >The Blue Trail The quickest route to the stones. |
This is the busiest trail at the Giant’s Causeway as it leads directly to the stones, as well as the easiest. It takes approximately 25 minutes to walk, and the distance is just 1.2 km. This is the same path covered by the Translink shuttle bus. At the end of this trail, you can also join the Red Trail. |
|
>The Red Trail Experience breath taking views of the famous Causeway Coast and North Atlantic |
This is a moderate clifftop walk with an incredible panorama that you can reach by climbing a little hill at the back of the visitor centre. It takes approximately 30 mins to 1:30 hrs, and the distance is 1.2 - 3.2 km. This path flows into the Yellow Trail, so you can either decide to follow this new way or continue on the red one. You can reach the Amphitheatre lookout or go back to the shoreline and join the Blue Trail |
|
>The Green Trail Enjoy this popular attraction with your group in tranquillity even during peak visitor times. |
If you want to experience the Giant’s Causeway from a different perspective, the Green Trail is what you are looking for. This accessible clifftop walk towards Runkerry Head is positioned on the opposite side of the Causeway, giving you a unique view over the stones. Weather permitting, you can also see the Inishowen Peninsula and the Scottish shore. This trail is moderate and takes approximately 1:30 hrs, and the distance is 3.2 km. |
| >The Yellow Trail Take a walk in the footsteps of the local giants! |
This trail is described as challenging. The distance is 2.9 km, and you will get to walk around the whole perimeter of this magnificent site on top of the cliffs, experiencing some parts of the other trails. |
Photo Gallery
Useful Information
Opening Hours - Giant's Causeway landmark
From dawn to dusk for the landmark itself
Duration of visit
We recommend allowing at least 2,5hrs at the landmark, to give you plenty of time to experience the site, as well as the different trails
Address
44 Causeway Road, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8SU, United Kingdom
Notes for Group Leaders
The Giant's Causeway is a free of charge site only experience – the visitor centre is not included and must be pre-booked separately. A charge will apply for the visitor centre
Footwear & Clothing:
Appropriate footwear for walking is advised; trainers are not the best option for walking on muddy and slippery surfaces. A raincoat or waterproofs are often a good idea, even in summer, where weather is unpredictable.
Shuttle bus:
A shuttle bus service runs from the Visitor Centre to the causeway stones prioritising elderly and disabled visitors. It is operated by Translink (Northern Ireland’s public transport authority), and a charge applies for this.
Location
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